December 17th, 2012

Ashley was teaching her regular vinyasa class and demonstrating Cobra pose. But at 8 months pregnant, there are some poses the body (well, mostly just the belly) won't do in the traditional sense. Ashley had this realization about a moment after it was too late to do anything about it. She went from Cobra to Nobra, tipping over uncontrollably in front of the whole class. Instead of getting upset, she immediately burst into laughter, and her whole class laughed as well.

That's when she knew her yoga practice wasn't going to be about "advanced" asana anymore. She let it go, making room for the new chapter in her life and the little miracle growing in her belly that would change it forever.

Ashley's yoga has come into a whole new journey deep in the mind, paying close attention to her thoughts and focus. She now feels more love and respect for her body and chooses to dedicate every practice to her growing family.

We loved learning about Ashley! And we can’t wait to learn about you. Tell us about yourself on our You Series page, at Manduka.com/You.

December 10th, 2012

She was used to being great at things. Running, swimming, water polo – Sheri was tough to beat. But yoga was another story. When Sheri tried it, she wasn't good at it, so she didn't like it. Funny how things change.

A bridge that many competitive athletes have to cross is how to treat their bodies after an injury. Yoga can be a beautiful tool for recovery. Sheri turned to yoga to soothe her aching joints and bruised muscles. And it did soothe her body. Then it changed her perspective about it. She went from using diet and exercise to tell her body what to do, to listening to it and giving her body what it needs for holistic balance. If her body needs to go for a run, she does, but if it’s asking for some ice cream, then she does that too.

Sheri's not "perfect," and she accepts that. But she's happy, and able to be of service and kindness to others. And that's perfect. That's Sheri-perfect.

We loved getting to know Sheri. And we’d love to get to know you, too! Tell us about yourself on our You Series page, at Manduka.com/You.

December 3rd, 2012

She was in a hectic spot. Balancing life as a college student and a single mother, her yoga mat was the glue that kept her together.

“During those precious moments on my mat I didn’t think about how bills were going to be paid, laundry was going to get done, or how I was going to handle three kids all by myself. My practice not only gave me physical strength, it gave me the emotional strength and resolve I needed to make it through each minute of my life.”

A dozen odd years later, Lori is happily married with now FIVE children and a fulfilling career teaching yoga – often to students whose path feels similar to her own. When a frazzled yogi rushes in moments before class begins, stressed for time and visibly distracted, Lori can relate. And she's in a special position to give other busy moms their one moment of sanity that they look forward to all week. Yoga is how SHE managed to to keep it all together, and life has a blessed way of coming full circle.

Building off her idea of 'the yoga life raft,' Lori is working to cultivate the power of her local community through yoga. With her husband, she has created the OmWork Club, a yoga-centric afterschool program for Chicago teens to study and socialize in a peaceful, positive and expressive environment.

We loved learning about Lori! And we’d love to learn about you, too! Tell us about yourself at Manduka.com/You.

November 26th, 2012

Yoga was her 50th birthday present to herself. And it's been an amazing gift. Even after that very first yoga class, she knew her world was going to feel different.

Her practice is "the best thing ever," having eased her joints, given her infinite encouragement and a tranquil home anywhere she chooses – especially the yoga studio. While rock climbing will always be her "first love," yoga is her partner, helping her climb more than mountains. Recently, she climbed the wall, kicking up into her first headstand with the help of her teacher – she couldn’t stop smiling knowing that yoga had both literally and figuratively turned her world around.

“Yoga has been a huge help with my whole life. I love the energy I have after a good hard class. I love the serenity that comes a little later and how all my joints feel fresh and ready to take on the world. I spent some time away from the mat. The day I went back to class I couldn't believe the relief I felt. While I was just resting in easy posture I started crying and didn't stop until half way through. Life is good with an active yoga practice.”

We loved learning about what yoga means to Bobbie. And we’d love to learn what it means for you! Tell us your story at Manduka.com/You.

November 12th, 2012

Soon after signing up for yoga teacher training in Costa Rica, Meaghan thought 'wait, am I crazy? This is not what responsible adults do!' Confused and second guessing herself, she began to talk herself out of the training. Then Meaghan got a sign from the universe – she stumbled on a giant billboard advertising a café with the same name as the training site in Costa Rica. She put her doubts to bed that day and hasn't looked back since.

Sometimes we spend too much time in our own heads; for Meaghan, yoga was a way out. Her world happens outside herself now, and her love of travel and cultural immersion has given her an awareness for the desperate need for access to education in countries that have limited resources. Recently, Meaghan got on her bike and rode across America for the organization Playing for Change. raising awareness and funds for schools and music education in developing countries.

Yoga has moved Meaghan to see her purpose of service. She has developed a reverence for her life and the people in it, making a conscious effort to serve people, the planet, and her own spirit.

We loved learning about Meaghan! And we want to learn about you, too. Tell us about yourself on our You Series page: Manduka.com/You